System and method for detecting leaks in a fluid filled vessel

ABSTRACT

A leak detecting device for a fluid filled vessel including a housing, a clamp, a resilient member, and an opening. The housing has a continuous perimeter edge sized to extend around an underwater surface, the housing forming a hollow interior. The clamp secures to the housing. The resilient member secures to the perimeter edge of the housing and is adapted to contact and form a seal between the housing and the underwater surface. The opening is formed through an entirety of a wall of the housing, wherein the opening is accessible from an exterior of the housing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/114,279filed on Aug. 28, 2018 and titled System and Method for Detecting Leaksin a Fluid Filled Vessel (Attorney Docket No. 3531.00004), which is acontinuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,383 filed on Sep. 29, 2016 andtitled System and Method for Detecting Leaks in a Fluid Filled Vessel(Attorney Docket No. 3531.00002), which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,464,959 filed on Aug. 20, 2015 and titled System andMethod for Detecting Leaks in a Fluid Filled Vessel (Attorney Docket No.3531.00006), which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 9,128,002 filed onMar. 15, 2013 and titled System and Method for Detecting Leaks in aFluid Filled Vessel (Attorney Docket No. 3531.00005), the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for leak detection,and, more particularly, to a system and method for detecting leaks in aliquid filled vessel such as a swimming pool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of leak detecting devices are well known in the art,particularly for use in swimming pools. Pools, whether above ground orunderground, do leak. Leaks may occur around pool drains, pool lights,skimmers, suction and discharge lines and other pool surfaces, etc.

There is a need for a simple leak detection system for a swimming poolthat is easy to use for a pool attendant or pool owner.

This background information is provided to reveal information believedby the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention.No admission is necessarily intended, nor should it be construed, thatany of the preceding information constitutes prior art against thepresent invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are relatedto a leak detecting device for a fluid filled vessel including ahousing, a clamp, a resilient member, and an opening. The housing mayhave a continuous perimeter edge sized to extend around an underwatersurface, the housing forming a hollow interior. The clamp may secure tothe housing. The resilient member may secure to the perimeter edge ofthe housing and be adapted to contact and form a seal between thehousing and the underwater surface. The opening may be formed through anentirety of a wall of the housing, wherein the opening may be accessiblefrom an exterior of the housing.

The housing may be made of a transparent material. The housing may bemade of an opaque material.

The opening may be adapted to allow a user to view a flow of a dyethrough the opening for leak detection purposes.

The leak detecting device may also include a flow meter coupled to theopening to indicate a flow of fluid into or out of the interior of thehousing. The flow meter may be transparent to allow a user to view aflow of a dye past the flow meter.

The leak detecting device may include a flexible pipe having a first endadapted to receive a dye and a second end in fluid communication withthe opening.

The clamp may include an elongate portion and a protuberance. Theelongated portion may have a plurality of spaced notches. Theprotuberance may be configured to be engaged by at least one of thespaced notches. The clamp may further include a trigger configured todisengage the protuberance from at least one of the spaced notches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a conventional swimming poolshowing the leak detection device prior to installation against the maindrain of the pool.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the leak detection deviceprior to installation.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a component of the leak detection device ofFIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the leak detection device inposition against the pool drainage.

FIG. 5 is an elevational side view of a conventional pool having 2drains therein with the leak detection device installed over one drainand a second similar device installed over the second drain.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a modified portion of the leakdetection device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the pool of FIG. 1 showing aconventional pool light installed in the sidewall of the pool and amodified fluid detection device prior to installation .

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the fluid detection device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the fluid detection devicesealed to the pool light.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing still another fluiddetection device prior to mounting to a suction or discharge pipe of thepool.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the fluid detection device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating operations of thefluid detection device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the pool of FIG. 1 showing aconventional skimmer mounted in the side wall and a fluid detectiondevice similar to those discussed in FIGS. 1 to 12.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the fluid detection device alone ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the fluid detection devicein position engaging the pool skimmer.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the pool of FIG. 1 similar to FIG.13 but showing a modified leak detection device in installed position.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the fluid detection device alone ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of a rectangular shaped fluid detectiondevice.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the pool showing a conventionalpool light installed in the sidewall of the pool and a modified fluiddetection device of FIG. 1 threaded into a swimming pool light threadedsocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those ofordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are notintended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the presentinvention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons havingthe benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingembodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimedinvention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilledin the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,”“upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience ofthe reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in theart should notice this description may contain other terminology toconvey position, orientation, and direction without departing from theprinciples of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the artshould note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,”“substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to meanthat the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes amajority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of theseterms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and themeaning may be expressly modified.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of aconventional swimming pool 10 showing the main drain 11 at the bottom ofthe pool below water level 12. A leak detection device 13 is shown inexploded view.

As seen in FIG. 2, the leak detection device 13 includes a resilientmember 14 which is preferably of rubber, such as a soft syntheticrubber, or any other suitable material. It may be solid or inflatable,and preferably annular, such as circular, circular in outerconfiguration and of a diameter greater than the diameter of drain 11,which drains are generally circular. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, member 14has a central hole or opening 14′ communicating with the hollow interior15′ of member 15 (see FIG. 3A). The resilient member 14 can be circular,square or rectangular. Most current drains are rectangular and mostcommercial drains are square.

Housing 15 thus is secured to member 14 and may be of a solid material,such as plastic, preferably transparent and dome-shaped. However, thehousing may be opaque with provisions to determine the flow of dye. Forinstance a fluid inlet barb 16 maybe provided at top of housing 15communicating with the interior 15′ of housing 15 for injecting fluidinto the interior 15′ of housing 15. The fluid inlet barb 16 may betransparent if the housing is opaque wherein fluid flow can be visuallyobserved. A washer 17, such as a neoprene washer, may be provided wherebarb 16 enters housing 15 to provide a liquid-tight seal.

As seen in FIG. 3, if member 14 is an inflatable tube, a conventionalair inlet 18 may be provided on the bottom wall 19 for inflating tube 14with air from a suitable exterior source.

As seen in FIG. 1, a weighted member 20 may be provided to hold housing15 and member 14 downwardly in a sealing position against drain 11 asseen in FIG. 4. Member 20 is generally a circular ring adapted toencircle housing 15, as seen in FIG. 4, and may be of sufficient weight,such as 10 pounds, to hold device 13 in position against drain 11creating a seal. Any suitable materials may be used, such as a plasticcoated material.

In operation, when the leak detection device 13 is installed against thedrain 11 of the pool of FIG. 1, a conventional flow meter may beconnected to barb 16 to detect any leaks therethrough. Alternatively, byconnecting a suitable hose to barb 16 and running it to the surface ofthe pool or the like, components in the pool or the like may be testedfor leaks while the operator is above water. Thus, any suitable dyesolution such as ordinary food coloring and water may be injectedtherein. If there is a leak, the dye solution will be sucked into thebarb 16 that is functioning as an inlet for housing 23. If the poolcomponent is not leaking, the dye will not be sucked in but insteadmaintain a natural swaying motion underwater.

Alternatively, the pool owner or operator of pool maintenance may diveunderwater with a dye solution and inject it through barb inlet 16 usinga syringe or the like.

As seen in FIG. 5, wherein like numerals refer to like parts of FIG. 1,pool 21 has 2 drains, 11 and 22. Here, housing 23, otherwise similar tohousing 15, does not have a barb inlet 16 as seen in FIG. 6. Housing 15and member 14, weighted by ring member 20, is held against drain 22while drain 11 is tested for leaks as heretofore discussed, since suchdrains are generally connected as part of the drain system.

As seen in FIG. 7, wherein like numerals refer to like parts of FIG. 1,a conventional pool light 24 is shown mounted in the sidewall of pool10. Here, weighted member 20 is not necessary.

The fluid detection device 25 of FIG. 7 is shown having a resilientmember 26, which may be similar to member 14, and may also beinflatable, a housing 27 which may be similar to housing 15, and a barbinlet 16 and washer 17 similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIGS.1 and 2. However, in this embodiment, a threaded shaft 28 extendsthrough housing 27 and the center of ring 26 and terminates in aconventional suction cup 29 of a resilient material, such as rubber. Aresilient washer 30 is provided where shaft 28 enters housing 27, and awing nut 31, which may be of plastic, may be provided threaded on shaft28.

As seen in FIG. 7, shaft 28 extends into a position where cup 29 mayengage the outside of dome 32 of light 24. Member 26 is again preferablycircular and of a diameter to cover light 24 abutting against the frame24′ holding dome 32 in position (see FIG. 9). Suction cup 29 abutsagainst dome 32 and wing nut 31 is tightened to force a seal ofdetection device 25 to light 24 that is created when tightened. Theseals actually seal against the surf ace of the pool. Barb inlet 16 maybe used to inject a dye all as previously discussed. While the member ispreferably circular, the member can also be square or rectangular. Mostcurrent drains are rectangular and most commercial drains are square.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the invention. Here, fluiddetection device 33, otherwise similar to the fluid detection devicecomponents 14, 15 of FIG. 1, shows a conventional suction/discharge pipe34 of pool 10. As seen in FIG. 11, again member 14 is a resilient memberthat may be a solid ring or an inflatable ring, and housing 27 issimilar to housing 27 of FIG. 8 also having a barbed inlet 16 andwashers 17, 30. However, in this embodiment, a hose 35 extends throughhousing 27, through the center of member 14, and terminates at bottom inan inflatable plug 36. As seen in FIG. 12, plug 36 is inserted into pipe34 and air may be injected into tube 35 by connecting a suitable sourceof air to threaded fitting 35′ at the top of inflating plug 36 whichexpands, outwardly against the interior wall of pipe 34, as seen in FIG.12, to seal off the pipe 34. Again, the leak detection operationsdiscussed above can be carried out through inlet 16.

FIG. 13 shows a skimmer 37 mounted in the side wall of pool 10 and afluid detection device 38 shown in detail in FIG. 14. Here, member 14and housing 27 may be identical to the member 14 and housing 27 of FIG.8. However, threaded shaft 39, having wing nut 40 threaded thereon,terminates in a brace 41, which may be elongated and generallyrectangular, and of any suitable material, such as plastic.

As seen in FIG. 15, brace 41 is inserted into the opening 42 of skimmer37, being tilted to facilitate entry, then nut 40 is tightened to sealbrace 41 against the inner wall 43 surrounding opening 42 of skimmer 37sealing off the same as previously, discussed.

Again, inlet 16 may be used to carry out the aftermentioned leakdetection.

Still another modification is shown in FIG. 16. The fluid detectiondevice 44 includes a housing 15 and resilient member 14 and inlet 16similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, in thisembodiment, an adjustable clamp 45 is coupled to housing 15 and has an11 elongated portion 46 with a plurality of spaced slots or notches 47engaged by a tooth 48 of a trigger 49 mounted in a clamp portion 50extending downwardly from extension portion 46. By grasping handle 51and squeezing trigger 49, into and out of engagement with notches 47,clamp portion 50 can be ratcheted closed along elongated portion 46similar to a conventional jar lid opener. Thus, as seen in FIG. 17,clamp portion 50 is extending down into the interior of skimmer 37, theskimmer lid having been removed, abutting against inner wall 43, andsealing resilient member 14 and housing 15 against the opening 42leading into skimmer 37 when trigger 49 is squeezed and clamp portion 50latches closed.

It can be seen that there are described various embodiments of theinvention. Variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope ofthe invention should only be limited by the scope of the appendedclaims. Any suitable materials or dimensions may be used to carry outthe teachings of the invention. Member 14 need only be of a sufficientsize to completely surround and seal against the pool component beingtested for leaks.

As depicted in FIG. 19, wherein like numerals refer to like parts ofFIG. 1, a conventional pool light 24 is shown mounted in the sidewall ofpool 10. The fluid detection device 60 of FIGS. 18 and 19 is shownhaving a resilient member 62 secured to a substantially square orrectangle shaped housing 60 which operates similar to housing 15 andincludes a barb inlet 16 and washer 17 similar to that shown in theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in this embodiment, a threadedshaft 28 extends through housing 60 and terminates with threads 64 thatare constructed and arranged to match a threaded receptacle 66 of theswimming pool light 24. For instance, most all pool lights are securedto a base by use of a threaded screw. The threaded screw can be removedand the threaded shaft 28 used to directly engage the pool lightsupport. A resilient washer 30 is provided where shaft 28 enters thehousing 60, and a wing nut 31, which may be of plastic, may be providedthreaded on shaft 28.

In this embodiment, the housing 60 is rectangular and the housing offsetso that the shaft 28 enters the housing 60 closer to one edge. Theamount of pressure applied during the leak detection is negligiblewherein the seal 62 is capable of securing the housing 60 to form asealed interior space. As with the previous embodiments, the housing ispreferably transparent but may also be made opaque. In yet anotherembodiment, the housing may have a transparent sections or a sight glassto assist in visual detection of flow or dye movement.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may beadvantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problemsnot discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many otherramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of thevarious embodiments. While the invention has been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out thisinvention, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, theuse of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of theparent application or other related applications. Applicant thereforerescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parent application orany predecessor application in relation to the instant application. Anysuch previous disclaimer and the cited references that it was made toavoid, may need to be revisited. Further, any disclaimer made in theinstant application should not be read into or against the parentapplication.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingembodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimedinvention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilledin the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,”“upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience ofthe reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in theart should notice this description may contain other terminology toconvey position, orientation, and direction without departing from theprinciples of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the artshould note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,”“substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to meanthat the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes amajority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of theseterms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and themeaning may be expressly modified.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the variousfigures and accompanying text, provides a

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may beadvantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problemsnot discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many otherramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of thevarious embodiments. While the invention has been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out thisinvention, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, theuse of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of theparent application or other related applications. Applicant thereforerescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parent application orany predecessor application in relation to the instant application. Anysuch previous disclaimer and the cited references that it was made toavoid, may need to be revisited. Further, any disclaimer made in theinstant application should not be read into or against the parentapplication.

1. A leak detecting device for a fluid filled vessel comprising: ahousing having a continuous perimeter edge sized to extend around anunderwater surface, the housing forming a hollow interior; a clampsecured to the housing; a resilient member secured to the perimeter edgeof the housing and adapted to contact and form a seal between thehousing and the underwater surface; and an opening through an entiretyof a wall of the housing, wherein the opening is accessible from anexterior of the housing.
 2. The leak detecting device according to claim1 wherein the housing is made of a transparent material.
 3. The leakdetecting device according to claim 1 wherein the housing is made of anopaque material.
 4. The leak detecting device according to claim 1wherein the opening is adapted to allow a user to view a flow of a dyethrough the opening for leak detection purposes.
 5. The leak detectingdevice according to claim 1 further comprising: a flow meter coupled tothe opening to indicate a flow of fluid into or out of the interior ofthe housing.
 6. The leak detecting device according to claim 5 whereinthe flow meter is transparent to allow a user to view a flow of a dyepast the flow meter.
 7. The leak detecting device according to claim 1further comprising a flexible pipe having a first end adapted to receivea dye and a second end in fluid communication with the opening.
 8. Theleak detecting device according to claim 1 wherein the clamp furthercomprises: an elongated portion having a plurality of spaced notches;and a protuberance configured to be engaged by at least one of thespaced notches.
 9. The leak detecting device according to claim 1wherein the clamp further comprises: a trigger configured to disengagethe protuberance from at least one of the spaced notches.